The Sun. — London, England, 1864-12-26 00:00:00

LIFEBOAT SERVICES,---During the storms of the past year the boats of the National Lifeboat Institution have saved 426 persona from different wrecks on our coasts, The Institution also expended £14,770 in the same period on lifeboat establishments, in addition to grant ing £1,497 as rewards for saving 692 shipwrecked persons by its lifeboats, and other means. The Committee of the Institution earnest'y A PPEAL to the public for ASSISTANCE to enable them to meet the continued heavy demands on the Institution's 133 lifeboat establishments. _ _ Contributions are received by Messrs. Willis and Co.. Berries and Co., Coutts and Co., and by all the London and country bankers ; and by the Secretary, Richard Lewis, Esq., at the Institution, 14, John-street, Adelphi. T HEATRE ROYAL, HAYMARKET Lessee, Mr. Bnckstone. • THIS EVENING, Monda", DAVID GARRICK. Messrs. Chippendale, Sothern, Buckstone, Rogers, Clark, Coe, Wea theraby, &c ; Mesdames Moore, Snowdon, Fitzwilliam, After which, LORD DIINDREA RY MARRIED AND DONE FOR Messrs. Sothern, Buckstone, Braid. Gordon, Clark, White, Coe, Weathereby, dco. ; Mesdames Snowdon, 11111, &e. With PRINCESS SPRINGTIME. Mr. Compton, Miss L. Keeley. And A KISS IN THE DARK. To commence at 7. ROYAL LYCEUM THEATRE. Mr. PECHTER will perform his universally allowed great impersonation of RUY BLAS EVERY EVENING until further notice. THIS EVENING, Monday, Dec. 26, to commence with MY WIFE'S OUT. Messrs. Widdicomb, Charles ; Miss B. Percy and Miss E. Lavenu. After which, at 8 o'clock, BUY BLAS. Buy Bias, Mr. Pechter. Messrs. Ryder, Fitzpatrick, F. Chsrlee, M'intyre, Garden, Raymond, L'ollett, C ifford, Moreland; Misses Car lotta Leclercq, B. P ercy, and Mrs. Winstanley. To conclude with a Farcical Oriental Extravaganza, en titled BAREFACED IMPOSTORS. Schahabaham (a pasha of three tails, Mr. Raymond; Mustapha, his vizier, Mr. Garden; Bill Stumps and Jack Hocus, quondam proprietors of the original united happy family, Messrs. Moreland and Widdicomb ; Ali, chief guardian of the ladies of the Harem, Mr. Collett ; Osman Khan, chief executioner, Mr. Bunch ; Achmet Aga, an of fi cer of the Sultan, Mr. Kelly ; Mirz a Haul Baba, chief keeper of the monkeys, Mr. Regan; Ayesha, formerly Jemima Stumps, but no first favourite of the pasha, Miss Lavenu ; Fatima, second favourite of the pash a, Miss B. Percy ; Shekerleb, third favourite of the pasha, Miss Travers; Beda, fourth favourite of the pasha, Miss Watson ; Zenobia, formerly banou of the harem, chief wife of the pasha, but now discarded for Ayesha, Miss Hatch. Various choice specimens of zoology, guards, slaves, and attendants, by the numerous and talented Smith family. Divertissement des Odalisques._ Doors open at Hall-past Six. The Box-office open daily from Eleven till Five. THEATRE -ROYAL DRURY-LANE Managers, Messrs. E. Falo3ner and F. B. Chatterton. THIS EVENING, and during the week, A YOUNG LAD FROM THE COUNTRY. After which, the Grand Christmas Pantomime, HOP O'MY THUMB AND HIS ELEVEN BROTHERS; or, Harlequin and the Ogre of the Seven-League Boots : Messrs. G. Bel more, Tom Matthews, G. Weston, Master Percy Roselle, &c. Misses Lydia Thompson. R. Lcclercq, &c. ; Messrs. Boleno, C. Lauri, W. A. Barnes, T. Morris, Cormazk, Saville ; Mdme. Boleno, the Misses Gunnis, and Signor Tescano. THEATRE ROYAL, DRURY - LANE,- Special lifbrning Perform ances.—ln answer to numer ous applications from parties residing in the environs, and in order to allow the country visitors to London during the holiday week an opportunity of witnessing the grand Drury lane annual Christmas Pantomime, entitled HOP 0' MY THUMB AND HIS ELEVEN BROTHERS ; or, Harlequin and the Ogre of the Seven-league Boots, Messrs. Falconer and Chatterton have deeded on giving FIVE MORNING PERFORMANCES, on TUESDAY, Dec. 27, Wednesday, 28, Thursday, 29, Friday, 30, and Saturday, 31, and on the morning of every Wednesday find Saturday during the holiday season. Children and schools at reduced prices to the following parts of the theatre : First circle, dress circle, and stalls, for morning performances only. THEATRE ROYAL, DRURY . LANE.— Managers, Messrs. E. Falconer and F. B. C hatterton. SPECIAL MORNING PERFORMANCES of he PANTO MIME on Tuesday, Dec. 27, Wednesday, 25, Thursday, 29, Friday 30, and Saturday, 31. THIS EVENING (Monday), Dee 26, and during the Week, her Majesty's Servants will perform a New and Ori ginal Farce, entitled A YOUNG LAD FROM THE COUNTRY. After which will be produced, on a scale of unexampled splendour, and witlr novel anti extraordinary appliances, extensively employing the unparalleled resources of this vest Esteblishment, the Great Drury Lane Annual, founded on a highly popular story, derived from the ancient legend recorded in the Mythical Sagas of Scandinavia, and produced in the form of an entirely N ew and Original GRAND COMIC CHISTMAS PANTOMIME, entitled, 110 P 0' MY THUMB AND HIS ELEVEN BROTHERS : Or, Harlequin and the Ogre of the Seven League Boots. Illustrated with elaborate scenery and stupendous effects by Mr. William Beverley, assisted by Messrs. C. S. James, C. Pitt, Gompertz, M'Lauchlin, and Perkins. The Grotesque Burlesque Opening by E. L. Blanchard. The Dances and Action of the Ballet arranged and invented by Mr. Cormack. The Masks, Dresses, and Devices designed by Dyk-Wyn- Kyn. The Overture and Music composed and arranged by Mr. J. Barnard. Machinery by Mr. J. Tn ker and assistants. Properties by Messrs. Needham, Glyndon, Langham, 4c. Gas Appointments by Mr. J. Hinkley. Lresses by Mr. S, May and Mrs. Lawler. The Scenes, Tricks, Am, of the Hariequinade, invented by Messrs. H. Boleno and Cormack. The whole arranged ant produced by Mr. Robert Roxby. "Long, long ago, when Trolls and Giants lived among men, there was a famous echool where curious youths were taught the mysteries of witchcraft."-Scandinavian Legend by an unknown Norther. Tne Welkin. "The Lapland Wit c h es were frequently known to go to great heights by KingJ in order to raise s torms."-Dmmono:ogy and IVitcheraft, amee the First Okriki (the Lapland Witch), Mr. Meagreson. Demon Cobblers. "Our work is good, our price is just, ready money and no trust," Messrs. Wax and Crax : Hail Rain, Frost, and Sn ow, " with the compliments of the season. " Messrs. Dash, Splash, Sharp, and Slosh ; Aurora Borealis • (with her Northern streamers), Madame Fene Menon ; East "Wind, Mr. Nipper; North Wind, Mr. ea ripper ; South Wind, Mr. Balmy; Welt Wind, Mr. Dripper; Signs of the Zodiac, luessrs. Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Coprieornit =, Aquarius, and Pisces; The Great Bear, Mr. Ursa Major; Bootee Mr. Sleiboots ; Sirius, Mr. Dogstar ; Orion, Mr. (ellarety. 31) stical Appearance ot the Mau in the Moon The Man in the Moon, "He looes on at the stars that go shooting up there, or lets 100-e the Dogstar to bait the Great Bear,' Miss Rose Lecfereq. tobble-istic and Cabalist c meant tion-the Boots-the Storm-the Calm-:-tar-telling discoveries and remarkable Lunar observations. Valley of Mosses and Lichens at Day break, with the F.rst Appearance of the Solar Rays. Actinia (the active Principal ot the Solar Rays\ Miss Hudspeth; eungleam (the lightest and brightest of the rays), Miss Lydia Thompson. The Sunbeams by one hundred coryphees. Sun beam, 'Miss E. Falconer; Sunray, Miss C. Thompson. Bril liant ballet by the dancing Sunbeams. Principal Rays, the Misses Gunniss. Interiorof Thumb's cottage on the borders of tne forest, Hep-o'-my-Thumb, Master Percy Roselle; his Eleven Brothers, Masters. Lanky, Pranky, Dodgy, Podgy, 'Thinny Skinny, Worry, Flurry, Teaser, Squeezer, and Cra meneuff; Daddy Thumb, Mr. Tom Matthews ; Dame Pauline Thumb, Mr. G. Weston. "The little fellow was at this time about seven or eight years old, with an extraordinary sweet ness of disposition, which it is a great blessing for anybody to have, and he possessed a degree of intelligence much be yond his age, and his strength and activity were surprising, 'Thumb. considering the smallness ot his size."-Story of Hop-o% my- How old Thumb is troubled with the number of his family, and how Hop is wide awake to the little plot that becomes apparent. Dark depths of the pine forest. "Then little Hop found that the birds had eaten up the crumbs of bread which he had dropped ; but although he had a little heart it was a brave one." The Old Story. Fugitive Pea sants, Messrs. Irun, Urun, Herun,Werun, 1 erun,andTharun ; Fee-Fo-Fum (the Ogre), Mr. G. Belmore (who, to make everything agreeable, has kindly consented on this occasion to represent the Ogre in the handsemest manner , . Pas d'Ogre, Mr G. Belmore. Scandinavian Scampyrre, with tro 1-de-roll accompaniment. The Trolls, by a number of little folks with a number of less 'tins. How Hop -o'-my- Thumb and his brothers are lost in the forest, and after wards boat In amazement at what they find there. The great hall in th Ogre's castle. " They at last came to a very large Nese, and atter they had knocked several times on the great gate with a large stone, it was opened by a big porter, who asked them what they wanted. '-The Old Story. The Twelve Daughters of the Ogre : Gloriosa (the Cheerful), Miss Lydia 'Thompson ; Kokanosa (the Proud), Miss Rule; Idetesta (the Envious), Miss Trust ; Nunbetta (the Vain), Miss Take ; Owglumpi (the Sulky), 111Iss Hap ; Wottam!i.gi (the Mischlevou t o, Mi ss Lead; Vindicta (the Spiteful), Misps Chief; Ottempa (the Vixen), Miss Fortune; Osolazi (the Indolent), Miss .Hughes; Graspini (the Greedy), Miss De meanour; Sopertza (the Saucy), Miss Behave; Kanteller letta (the Stupid), Miss Management ; Grimgriffin (Porter at the Castle Gate), Mr. Hokey-pokev ; Krakjokler (Chief of the Giant's Guard', Mr. eaakulart The Ogre's Guards, Messrs. Grim, Glumm, intro eiumm, Trimm, Gramm, dm. Dance " D'Eyriware," M;ss L. Thompson. " Never mind, said the Ogre, give me my Seven League Boots and I'll soon catch them, and I'll gobble up that t ny little rascal at once, so that he shall not have the chance of cheating me again." -The Old Story. The `now Mountains and Icy Plains. " ilop-'o-my-Thumb then got hold of one ot the boots, which he pulled off the Giant's leg without difficulty, and being magicaily ma le, it fluted a little foot as well as a big one-he was about to pull off the other when." The old Story. The Race and the Chase of Seven League Boots, "Through woods, through lakes, through bogs, throureh brakes, swift as as the wind we go. O'er hedge and lands, through pools and ponds, what r tcing ? yo t ho! ho !" Melting of the Ice Floes-the holi lay after the hard work, and general breaking up and going away before the dazzling effulgence cf the Ascent ot the Rays of Golden Light ! with th e F airy " Motes that People the Sunbeams." Clowns--Messrs 1. Boleno and C. Lauri ; Harlequins, Messrs J. Cormack and S. Savile ,• Pantaloons, Messrs. W. A. Barnes and J. Morris ; Colum bines Madame Boleno and the Misses Gunnlss. Scene tat-- Comic. Invented by H. Boleno (registered), merchant's Office, Police Station, and Cheesemonger's Pantornists, Messrs. Boleno, Cormack, Barnes, and Madame Boleno, Trip, Mr Cormack and Madame Boleno. How to hang your Bacon-Oh, Lard-That's the Cheese -Clown gets a new Milk Walk, and afterwards walks his chalks, having put his loot in it, and all through being in the Milky Way-Clown's Christmas Box-Multum in Parvo-WelcOme Guests-A Man of the World -Advertising Board and Police Lodging- Hatching Extraordinary -Clown saves his Bacon, but Cheesemonger does not-Trio junetc in uno-Sad Turks -All Ben Scott-1e Ali Ben Jen-ken. and Ali 80-le-no -Clown's system of Bantingrnising-New Companies (limited', Shares taken up and Sh ares coming down -How Clown brings out one of the Greatest Dancers of the Day, Madlle. yeteto, who will introduce the Pas a. la Perea Nene - Spirt. tual- the Devenports and the Plymouths-SeancesStro op/3081. ton but no Imposition-A New Rope Trick -It's wonderful how we do it, but we do-A Butter rat and a Pat of Butter- Clown meets a few Friends, among whom is a friend at a Pinch, also a Friend in Need-Falling out with a Friend, which enes with a Friendly Set-too - Slippery Customers-- A Visit to the Station-house, and so ends this eventful his tory. Scene 2. Comic, invented by Mr. H. Bolen() (registered). Pantaloon's Retreat, far away from the Noise and Bustle of Town. Trip, "Sardenian Piffivini." Madame Boleno and Mr. J. Cormack, Clown and Pantaloon desire to lead a quiet Country Life, and settle down all serene -Well, this is de lightful-To bed, to bed, but not to sleep-A Cat-astrophy- A Nightly Visit-Open locks whoever knocks-Goods care fully removed from Country to Town-Clown and Panta loon's Retreat, hich suits soots) them to a shade -The Alarm -Rural Felicity and Rural Police-Let Well alone- Clown finds Truth at the Bottom of it-Butt and Rebut- Clown and Pantaloon take a Cold Bath against their will- Quietude restored once more and rest, and the rest-A . ch ange comes ov er th e scene, which quite alters Pantaloon's view s- hard lines and n-..w lines, whi c h b rings Clown and Pantaloon's Retreat to a Terminus. Scene 3. Comic. Invented by M J Cormack. Nationa • Schoo Cab Standr' J. near ) London Pant( mirnists, Messrs. SandSaville, C. Lauri . itlo a r n els d , and the Misses Gunnies. Polkas, Mr. S Ilse T. Gunniss. A Cab-full and a fool in a cab- nwe were boys, merry, merry boys"- Then the wining schoolb ,y 4tc -Cake versus take -An early and a late scholar - „,! • iier.-Clown surprised at wrat-a rat 3 it rises -Dancing te-wa, t in pumrs--Parcels Delivery C ,mpany not limited), Di'rectors Clown and Pantaloon- Goou s leemoved-Christmas Prizes - A Box of Toys, and pr.e.,s_e‘nat. you with a Book Les many other Presents that Cormack, executed by the Ladles of arjr,anr ged by Mr J. Bel e Lettres, or Animated Te Z , te a o u ps de 11 dlet many othedrreitvart rather Clewn and Pantaloon take a Cab to r s al no upsets s ;tint the upset, which taus s them to upset the Scene; and the next scene seen le see j.eA41.0- vented by Mr Cormack. A Windmill near Windsomr. Plan-- Miss J. Gun tomimists- Messrs. S. Saville, C. Lauri, Miner once Misses Gunniss ; Irish fig. Mr S. Saville and raise. When the wind blows-There was a Joll -The Killer and his Men-Harvest Home-The thrasher thrashed -The fruits of stealing-" Still so g , ntly w er senses stealing" -The bark from a it e-The biter bit- Clown takes some bit-ter beer-More sacks to the mill-s ome get the sack-A merry go round-Clown witnesses a Revolu teen -A Sight and a Eight-A stop to the Mill-Out of the Frying pan into Patent Bread and Biscuit Bakery Well bread men-Clown and Pantaloon become Loafers-A roll- a -twist and a sudden turn to-A meaty day, and Fairy's Hall of Splendour. Private boxes, .£1 25., £3 3s , 45., and V ss. Stalls, 7s. Dress circle, ss. First circ e, Is. Upper boxes, 2s 6d. Pit, 2s. Lower ga lery, Is. Upper gallery, 6d. No Half price. Box-office open Irom tett to five deity. Doors open at half-past Six, the Performances Commence at a quarter o seven o'clock, and terminate every evening at a quarter past eleven, NEW THEATRE-RO YAL, ADELPHI.- Sole Proprietor and Manager, M. B. Webster. THIS EVENING, THE WORKMEN OF PARIS. Mr. Benjamin Webster; Messrs. Billin,ton, R. Phillirs, Stuart, J. Clarke, Stephenson, Eburne, C. J. Smith ; Mrs. Stirling, Miss Woolgar (Mrs. A. Mellon), Miss H. Simms, Mrs. Billington, Mrs. H. Lewis, and Miss A. Seamen. To conclude with THE AREA BELLE. Messrs. J. L. Toole, Paul Bedford, and Mrs. A. Mellon. Commence at 7. YA L PRINCESS'S THEATRE, Sole Lessee and Manager, Mr. Geo. Vining. Tins EVENING, a new Extravaganza, entitled THE 2,IAGIC HORSE AND THE ICE MAIDEN I RINCESS. After which, THE STREETS OF LONDON. Messrs. Vining, J. W. Ray, D. Fisher, D. Murray, J. Nelson, H. Forrester. H. Mellon ; Mrs. Henry Marston, Miss Emma Barnett, and Miss Fanny Gwynne. ROYAL STRAND THEATRE Sole Lessee and Manageress, Mrs. Swanborough. THIS EVENING, at 7, SHORT AND SWEET. After which, the Grand Christmas Burlesque, THE " GRIN" BUSHES ; or, the Mrs. Brown of the Missis-sippi. Messrs. Stoyle, Thorne, James, Fenton, ttc.; Mesdames Ada Swanborough, Raynham, Simpson, Johnstone, &c. To mclude with THE WILFUL WARD. Miss Palmer. COALS. —The LILLES HAL COMPANY'S COALS. Direct from their own Collieries. arquis' .255. per ton. I Double .21s . per ton. op 245. „ Deep ....228. „ , 11 screened and delivered within five miles of their De oots, Westbourne Park-road, W., and 17, South Wharf, Paddington, W., and Maiden-lane, N. Best Coke lss. per chaldron. Terms cash. JOHN SCOTT, dole Agent. THE THIRD EDITION OF " THE SUN," Containing the Latest SPORTING INTELLIGENCE, can be had Every Evening of G. R. GLEN lE, —lv Ewa AGENT, No. 4, Connaught-terrace, Hyde-park. THE LATES r EDITION of " THE SUN" supplied, as soon as published every Evening by W. ALEXANDEft (late BROOKS), Newspaper Agent, 21, Old Cavendish-street, Oxford-street. HlGril WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE, TECIB DAT.—Moraing, h. m.—Afternoon, 12h. 20m. To-Moscow.-Morning, 12h, 40m.—Afternoon, lh. 4m. S , A A for4anrilit 441 LONDON, MONDAY, DEC. 26, 1864, The China brings us news up to the 14th of the month, and we learn that Richmond papers assert that SHERMAN'S main army had crossed the Ogeechee river, and was on the 7th moving towards Savannah. If this report be correct, and the con flicting accounts which we have from time to time received, makes our knowledge of his movements uncertain at the best, it would seem that the Federal General, anxious not to close his grand expedition without achieving some striking success, has directed his efforts towards Savannah. Savannah is strongly defended, and should he fail in the attempt be will probably fall back upon Beau• fort. Having got so far, he is tolerably sure to reach the coast with some portion of his army ; but he will leave many brave men behind him in the swamps of Georgia. The Confederates are actively engaged in repairing the roads in his rear, which had been destroyed in accordance with the new system of Federal tactics. FOSTER and DAHLGREN with their forces left Beaufort early in the month and advanced to Pocataligo Bridge on the Charles. ton and Savannah, which, as we heard by the last mail, they destroyed and then entrenched them. selves at the spot, FOSTER succeeding in communi cating with SHERMAN by scouts. The latter, it was estimated, would reach Savannah on the 7th, bat, when there, his work is yet to begin. He has the first engineer of the day opposed to him, and the siege of Savannah will not be easy. Should a pitched battle occur, SHERMAN'S army, jaded from their long and harassing march, will have to confront the Confederates on their own ground, fresh and strong in numbers, with all the animus of patriotic indig nation at the desolation of their country. While SHERMAN is thus occupied, his Commander-in-Chief has been making a move, An expedition under WARREN has been despatched from Petersburg, with directions to destroy part of the Weldon rail road, with a view of preventing the Confederates from receiving supplies to Stoney Creek. The ex• pedition succeLded in destroyirg a bridge and 15 miles of railroad, but their success was not un chequered, for the Confederates were found in strong force near Hickford, their ultimate destination. WARREN'S men carried, it is said, the works on one side of the Mehergen River, where the Confederates were entrenched; bat another version throws doub on this. Ail accounts agree in stating that the raiders retired to their old position at Petersburg, and, it is added, that part of the force was captured. So much for GRANT'S scheme, which has resulted in very little. The distrust with which all Northern versions are received in this country has been amply justified before now, but it has just had additional confirmation in the accounts of the losses at Frank- lin. The truth has now partially crept out, and the Federal losses are stated officially to have been one hundred and t:11 officers and two thousand privates in three out of the four divisions engaged, but the losses in the fourth division, which Were heavier, are not mentioned. Such subterfuges and evasions are beneath a great country and are too transparent to eff:ct their purpose, BRECKEL!T RIDGE is endeavouring to join ROOD, and should he succeed in doing so, they will probably employ their united forces in the capture of Nashville, which, as the capital of Tennessee., a great depot for stores, and an important strategic position will be a most valuable prize. 25,000 Confederates , under LYON have crossed the Cumberland river into Kentucky and moved on Hopkinsville. Should they succeed in their attempt it will probably arouse the old State, so that the work which it has taken the Federals tour years to accomplish, may be imp done in as in weeks. The civil news has some points of interest. The question of employing the slaves is engaging the attention of the South. The Governor of Virginia, in his message favours the arming of negroes without delay, which is an im- portant combination of President DAVIS'S sugge3- tions. Both Senates have been active. The Con federates have appointed Commissioners to Brezil with reference to the seizure of the Florids, while the United States Senate has passed a bill autho rising the employment of six revenue cutters on the lakes, and the House of Representatives have adopted a resolution giving England notice of the termination of the Reciprocity Treaty by a majo- rity of 28. Our authorities must, therefore, be ready on their side with a suitable fleet for the protection of the lakes at the expiration of the allotted period, and wo trust that our own colonies, now that they are concentrating their forces, will also turn their attention to this very important point. Our Yankee friends have certainly not shown such:good faith or good will in other mat• ters that we should rely upon their magnanimity, and if we allow any fear of inc using or irritating them to prevent us hum showing a determined point, we shall find that we have been very grievously mistaken. The succeeding telegrams and various ac caunts that arrive from Germany, and bear reference to the nehemes on foot in divers quarters, do not furnish la with very flak tering intelligence concerning the successes of the arch-conspirators, as the two German Powers may well b e ca ll ed. Any check or counterpoise in these ventures will be felt with particular force by Prussia, which country has become so deeply in vowed in plots and dpvic,s to F. 4 :care her ends and snatch a l arge portion from o.lierb, bum iticnrib mu a foes, to serve her turn and glory in her prey. It may be confidently affirmed, iloyfTer, that the • prospects that loom in the future are not very favourable to the views of the schemers. Herr TON BISMARK has led, or sedulously followed, bis So vereign in all the attempts on liberty at home and attacks on freedom abroad; but they may both live to rue the day when they gave up the prin ciples to which they were pledged, and set them. selves to work to undermine the Constitution of the land, instead of fixing its foundations more deeply and strongly in the hearts of the people by wise relaxations and prudent reforms. Even now, while to all intents and purposes the course of events run smoothly in respect to the furtherance of their plans, how little security can they feel, and how small an amount of satisfaction must they enjoy. To them may well be applied the tenour of the reflections of that King of SHAKSPERE, who de clares that Heaven knows by what by-paths and crooked ways he won his crown, and he himself can tell how uneasily it sits upon his head. Doubt less, were all known that relates to the policy of German councils we should be scandalised by the dark record presented to our view, and it is also in• contestably certain that the prosecution of their much coveted desires does not conduce to either monstrance, but of actual practical demonstration of its perils. Daunt's Rock, situate near Cark har. boar, still rears its unmarked head above the water right in the pathway of every vessel that enters the harbour, although the City of New York was last April totally wrecked upon it, the City of Washing ton with 500 souls narrowly escaped a similar fate, and other ships so constantly run the same risk that it is hardly thought of as long as they escape. Just now Mr. MAGUIRE, the indefatigable Mayor of Cork, has another disaster to record in support of his constant expostulations with the dilatory and supine authorities. A trig laden with sugar, bound from Manilla to Cork, struck on the rock, though in tow of a steamer with a pilot on board. There was, very possibly, some mismanagement in the case, since the pilot should have known the locality well enough to give the rock a wide berth, but that does not alter the face. With the greatest difficulty the ship was brought into harbour, much damaged, and the cargo, valued at £lO,OOO, was destroyed. Happily there was no life lost, but had the ship not been in tow the result would have been very different. Mr. MAGUIRE, in telling the story, is justly indignant with the three Boards who, be tween them, cannot settle this matter —no great effort for them, although so important to the ship ping. After long delay, and protracted contro versy, as to the extent of their respective obliga tions, the Board of Trade, the Trinity Board, and the Ballast Board agreed to place a bell beacon on Daunt's Rock ; but although Mr. MAGUIRE had an interview with the President of the Board of Trade in October, and he was then informed that the necessary sanction had been given six weeks before :Ur. MAGUIRE'S ap plication to the Ballast Board a month later, only produced the answer that tenders had been called for. So much for official despatch. The real way to settle the case would be to destroy the rock, and the Government should at once undertake the duty, arranging the details of expense afterwards. We suppose that the loss of life and property will reckon for nothing until a ship of the line— say the Prince Consort, for instance —goes down on Daunt's Rock, or, on SYDNEY SMITH'S prin ciple, a member of one of the indifferent Boards makes a practical examination of its dangers under water. Mr. MILNER GIBSON has not shown much of the Reformer or of the Liberal in this business, and we should recommend him to prepare for a little cross•questioniog on the subject. ",Between two stools," says the old adage, you come to the ground," bat between three Boards, where red-tapism reigns supreme, you are likely to arrive at a worse conc:usion. LATEST INTELLIGENCE: [REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.] ITALY. NAPLES, DEC. 24 Cardinal Ardrea has paid a visit to Prince Hum bert. His Eminence was received with the honours due to his rank. EGYPT. ALEXANDRIA, DEC. 24 The English frigate Caradoc arrived here from Constantinople on the 22d inst., having on board Sir Henry Bulwer, who will probably pass the winter in Egypt. strength or security in so much as comes to notice in the position of the Prussian rulers. Since the outset of the unfortunate Denish affair there has been one report after another relative to doubts difficulties, and disturb inces in the smaller principalities and middle States of Germany. Whether from a prescient sense of danger in perspective, from a jealous no tion of slighted interests, or from a desire to take advantage of a change of effairs, or from all three ideas combined, it is certain that a moat uneasy sen. sation has prevailed and is prevailing in these small States. No doubt a keen sense of disappointment must be felt by them in regard to the failure of the plans set on foot last year to establish their inde pendence and to render their position more secure in strength and elevated in dignity. Little did they foresee, when they so eagerly hailed the meet• ing at Frankfort, the doom that was hanging over them and closing in dark shadows around. It must by this time, however, have become impossible for the most sanguine or short Righted discerner of events not to mark the peril which surrounds these principalities, and regard the coming struggle as those do who know that on the issues wait freedom or extinction. Wisdom has little or nothing to do with the councils of Russia, and Austria seems to share the delusion of fatuiats to a c nsiderable ex tent. In short, both nations appear to illustrate most effectually the truth of the portentous adage, " Quem Deus vult perdere prim dementat" :n their thoughts, words, and deeds. How much more pru dent and politic it would have been to have endeae voured to conciliate the smaller States instead of treating them with undisguised contempt, covert sneers, and latterly such open defiance. What a spectacle does Germany now present to the eyes of observant beholders, rent with factions, and torn by internal divisions. It is indeed enough to point a moral, if not to adorn a tale. It exhibits to the world a powerfal instance of the insufficiency of schemes which are only devised by greed and pro pelled by deceit. The Conference at Bamberg is very significant just now, and affords us a striking proof of how far matters have progressed. It is sometimes difficult, if not impossible, to separate the real from the apparent in cases of rumoured disagreements, and he must be a cute observer who can tell where exaggeration ends and truth begins, but it cannot be doubted for a moment in this instance that great events are on the gale, and that all must prepare for a storm who are mixed np and interested in German affairs. The proposal to divide Germany into three Powers—Austria, Prussia, and the Middle States—seems a very fair and desirable one, and it is to be hoped that there will be a chance of the project being put into exe cution ; but, of course, many obstacles will be in the way, and various hindrances obtrude themselves. It is not to be supposed that Prussia will quietly acquiesce in the formation of these plans, but it has yet to be shown if her opposition will succeed in preventing this independent arrangement. The very heat and virulence which Herr VON BISMARK has displayed in his late communications to the offending principalities have been weapons against him, and greatly militated against the prospect of a satisfactory settlement, and an adjustment of dis puted points. It is evident at this time that the prevailing notion and deep-laid policy of Prussia has been to monopolise all power and gradually to take possession of these States to swell the list of her territories, and augment the grandeur and greatness of the Court of Berlin. We have yet to learn whether the wily course of proceedings which has distinguished Herr YON BISMARK'S career will succeed, but if they do it will only be a temporary triumph, and by no means un fait accompli that we behold. This generation will not pass away and leave German affairs in their present position ; all tends to show the contrary. Those who have so ardently promulgated the doctrines of peace at the price of honoar, the expense of truth, and the sac rifice of right, will find out their mistake too late, and at all events others will find it out for them. Had a wise course of policy been pursued, and a firm tone been adopted in dealing with the German Powers, Prussia in particular, they would never have came to such a pass, but the tame and timorous plans so much in favour at headquarters have ruined many, and been provocative of peril to those that they affected to serve. It would have been 'the best service to have rendered Prussia to have checked her procedure in the mischievous course in which she has embarked, and to have pointed out the way to safer and more honourable pursuits if she sought an increase of power and position. With the plea and the pretext of this Danish war the Cabinet of Berlin has sedulously continued to do a great deal, and now these small States are to be next victims. Before, however, they are offered up as the new holocaust to the ambition of Prussian rule, they will make a desperate stand for their defence, and it will be no easy matter to circumvent them. It may well be asked what is the object of all this manoeuvring on one hand, and machinations on the other ? Some nations that at the com mencement of the century were far in ferior to the German States in position and opportunities, have now put themselves in a much more desirable condition than any that is presented by the once vaunted Germanic Powers, but a lessen may be learned from their disgraceful and deplorable condition, and a warning is held out to those who allow their golden opportunities to slip by, and thus what should be their advantage becomes to them foolishness and stumbling-blocks. The remedy of abuses is probably a very slow ;awe, but It might have been expected that in a country like our' own, a source of public danger and annoyance would be immediately inquired into and the risk removt.ld as far as possible; more especially when the daL , ger referred to particularly affects that class of interests which are so power. fully represented in Elgland—those who from commercial or other reas ens are in the habit of trus jug if•: and propetty o tad care f t' e Yet luerecltb.o ab 1,4 e Le,, m,y Deem a gLtat and recognised danger has been allowed to remain in eaistenve, in spite, not only of argument and roe LITERATITRE, The Marquis of Dalhousie's Administration of British India. Volume the Second. By Edwin Arnold, M.A. Saunders, Otley, and Co. The second volume of Mr. Arnold's very interest ing and thoughtful history records the annexation of Pegu, Nagpore, and Oudh, and gives a general review of Lord Dalhousie's rule in India. While eadeavouring with impartial hand to throw sight upon the various incidental causes of the great Indian mutiny, Mr. Arnold does ample justice to the eminent qualities of the great Proconsul of whom he writes, and justly observes that while the superfices of his work have been destroyed by cir cumstances, the foundations remain upon which others are since building, and calling the old work new. The War in America -1863.64. By Edward Pollard. 1 vol., pp. 407. Saunders, ()any, and Co. The history of " the Third YCar of the War" from the Bottle of Uaancellorsville to the present time is here fully recounted with ample details and particulars. The names of the various battles and the different commanders arc familiar to all news paper readers, but even those most au fait with the various details of the war will be glad to reperuse them i❑ this collected and comprehensive form. Alter a cursory review of the several events he has recorded, Mr Pollard very emphatically declares that " it is impossible that a nation should have suffered at the South has suffered in this struggle, should have adorned itself with such sacrifices, should have illustrated such virtues to relapse at the end into the old routine of its political exis tence. "We have not,'' he exclaims, " poured out our tears, we have not made a monument of broken hearts merely for tie poor negative of a peace, with nought higher or better than things of the past. Not so does nature recompense the martyrdom of nations or of individuals. It pronounces the triumph of resurrection.' The Muscles and their Story, from the Earliest Times, By John W. J. M.D. One Vol. Pp. 289. Chapman and Hall. This very valuable volume gives not only a his tory of the scionee of gymnastics from !he ear% test times, but it also affords much useful infor mation on the important subject of ei=Jrcise, as connected with mental end b o dil y development. " hßeyreainduinecuaticteantetdi7 theto tha precepts an d pract i ce happy desideratum— a sound mind in a sound body" —is alone to be insured. By the judicious diffusion of such prin ciples we might again behold "a race such as the Doric mothers bore.'' Christmas Week at the Railways. The whole of the past week has been ono of hard labour and of almost herculean exertion at several metropolitan termini. Game, geese, turkeys, sausages, pork pies, and other rural delicacies have been all that time fl awing into London in a manner perfectly astonishing, putting such a strain upon the staff and appliances of each company as to almost neutralise any profit which they :nay derive from it. It would be tedious to enumerate the particular arrange ments at each station. It will be sufficient to say that the progress of sorting and delivery is identical with that pur sued at the Post-office in regard to the letters which arrive by each mail, and that the 10E8 or the misplacing of a parcel is the exception. The immense Supply of turkeys and geese from Norfolk and Suffolk to the London markets, to goose clubs, and in the shape of presents to private friends, has forced upon the Great Eastern Company the employ ment of 300 horses, 170 vehicles, and 200 men, in addi tion to the number ordi nar il y employed. The men are divided into two gangs, one of which works by day, the other by night. At the S outh - Eastern they have only to employ 4 additional hands and 3 horses. It is not, however, that the men of Kent or the Kentish mon aro not as gene. roue to their London friends as are the inhabitants of the Eastern counties, fo r one of them last week sent as many as 24 pheasants to a f r i end. The lino, in fact, taps the good nature of only on e county, whereas the Great Eastern goes through the heart o f at least half a dozen. At the Brighton the extra staff an d p l ant are 12 men, 9 horses, and 5 vans. At the South Western they have had to call into their ser vice the aid of 15 extra men and 30 extra horses, and to make their collecting carts delivery vans. At the Lon don, Chatham, and Dover there has also been an extra strain upon their ordinary staff—but the remarks we have made in regard to the South Eastern are applicable to its rival. At the Great Western the extra strain is measured by 70 horses, 40 men, and 15 vans. This is confined to the parcels department solely, for all consignments to the markets are dealt with in the goods department. At the North 'Western they have had, too, a large additional staff of men and fays. In the sorting shed alone they have had a corps of 16 at work night and d a y, an d 48 men to conduct and superintend the process of delivery, in which they have had to employ 15 extra carts, 5 two-horse vans, and 4 omnibuses. At the Great Northern the extra force consisted of 3 clerks, 4 por ters, 3 carts, and 6 horses.—Observer. A woman of loose character, named Maria Mousquet, 46 years of age, was three days ago found murdered in her room in the Rue Cerise, at Toulouse. The murderer had drawn his knife twice acr ,ss her throat, and inflicted a terrific wound. The weapon could not be found, and from a quantity of water having been thrown on the ground, the supposition is that after committing the crime he washed the knife before returning it to his pocket. A box which was in the room had been forced open, and th e linen it contained was Feettered on the ft - Two glasser, eon wa.. were found on tit:, wautie piece, from which it would appear that the man and woman had been drinking together. The police are making search Or Oa murderer. MAILS FROM INDIA AND CHINA. SUEZ, DEC. 23 The Messageries Imporiales steamer Tigre arrived here with the above mails, 123 passengers, and 833 packages of merchandise. FRANCE. BOURSE, Dec. 24.—The market remains in the same inactive state, but with previous prices in general well maintained. Threes, for the Account, are unvaried at 65f. 20c. Mobilier shows a slight . Railway Market quiet, ion in quotations. The advance, being now at 930 with very trifling venial market closed as follows :- 4i per Cents .. 93 80 Do. end month.... 3 per Cents Do. end month 65 30 Credit Mobilier 930 Do. end month 930 Bank Shares 3510 Credit k oncier 1240 Roman Italian Loan 65 40 Do, end month 65 45 Ditto Threes .. New Mexican .... 60 25 Russian Austrian .. B2 Spanith Threes., 46 60 Rome Debt Deferred RAIL WAYS. Orleans ,•.•.••.. Northern Lyons and Mediterranean Southern ... _ . Western Eastern Sardinian .. Austrian Lombard North of Spain Saragossa Ditto to Barcelona Cash. Account. 855 „. 855 1000 .. 998 75 881 25 „ 881 25 587 50 .. 595 516 25 .. 518 75 496 25 .. 500 -- 315 315 -- 437 50 .. 440 507 50 .. 507 50 375 .. 372 50 438 75 .. 437 50 The Contemplated Improvements in the Metropolis, The street communication of London is a subject hat presses so much for settlement and decision, hat it must be constantly referred to from time to ime. The improvements do not keep pace with the demands and the necessities of the public. Whilst all regret the want of some controlling power, those powers that do exist are on their trial. It is true that their means are limited, but their actions are still more confined. It may be said that they have an equal interest with their fellow-subjects in the promotion of public works. But they certainly are open to the charge of omitting many improvements ihat are very generally called for. Before the Metropolitan Board was established the corporation of London laid out so much of their immense funds as were not spent in eating, drinking, and shoege, upon and within the city of Loudon. Even now the Corporation representatives at the Metropolitan Board endeavour to get the lion's share of expendi (are for the City and its approaches, and are to be round voting against the most requisite changes i❑ ttre suburban districts. The representatives of the several districts pursue a similar course. The result is that many useful works are delayed or put aside altogether. This is one of the evils of a represen tative system, composed of separate and frequently opposing sections of this vast metropotis. This too is the principle upon which the Metropolitan Board will be either reformed or overthrown. Still we are disposed to forgive the London Cor poration a great deal, if they proceed honestly arid promptly with the Holborn Valley Viaduct, which promises to be a great and useful work. The Me tropolitan Board too has given notice of their iaten tention to carry out three very important openings of street communication. The first is one of small cost, but very great utility in the east end of Lon don. It is to make at the cost of little more than £l,OOO a wide opening between the great thorough• fares of Whitechapel and the Commercial Roads, Any one who has chanced to drive to Blackwell, instead of using the river or the rail, will remem ber a detour through two or three short, narrow streets at the east end of the Whitechapel-road. This narrow passage was known to the nautical population about the docks as the Straits of Gib raltar. It is surprising ho ,v little it will cost to make a wide and open communication here, but there was no one to do it, and the Metropolitan Beard will obtain a cheap reputation by this small work. It will, however, mainly help to give us a nearly con tinuous thoroughfare of the widest description all the way from Paddington to Blackwell. To make this long thoroughfare complete they also mean to pull down Middleerow, Holborn. This will be an eipensivejob, but its necessity is universally acknow ledged, and it will have the support of the members for the city, and the East and Northaeast of Lon don. The third scheme for which the Metro politan Board is about to seek Parliamentary sanction is no less necessary—perhaps more neces wary than the others. But it relates to the West end, or rather to the Northern and Southern corn munication. It is also situated in the wealthier part of London ; and although its necessity is loudly demanded on all sides. tkere is a manifest reluctance in the representatives of the outlying and poorer districts to vote for this most essential improvement. But, in fact, the opening through Hamilton-place is a real metropolitan improvement. It may, at first sight, seem to be an accommodation to the higher classes; but those are the classes most useful to the trade of London, and the tradesmen them. selves would greatly benefit by the accommodation. Although there is some indif f erence manifested at the board, we are glad to see that the leading mem- bets are resolved to push it on, and even the corpo ration nominees will hardly oppose it unless they want to confer on themselves the character of re- sisting all schemes but their own. There are three modes proposed to effect this essential communica tion from Chelsea to Bayswater. The first that of Mr D'lffanger, to inundate the Park with public conveyances is one that may be summarily dismissed, for it has not the smallest chance of being listened to for a single moment. The second, that of w.den. nig park-lane, would be so expensive that it would be difficult to find money even with the prospect of bring recouped for a part of it by the improved buildings that would replace the old ones on either side. This is a means of partially providing funds for public improvements that has been very success ful at Paris; but it wolld be a dangerous txperiment in Park-lane. We shall be glad to see its results in he new street that is to be made from Tottenham. court-road to Chandos-street by the Charing-cross and North-Western Railway Companies, in connec. Lion with their underground railway. We anticipate such a success from this experiment, that we expect o see it followed in more instances than one. But, for the present, there is only left the passage through Hamilton-place. The owners of the half-dozen houses there will, no doubt, claim compensatio❑ for special dlm ige, although it turns out that there is no special clauis in their leases from the Crown against an opening of the roadway to the north. Still there may arise some difficulty. But if Mr. Thwaites and his board are resolute, and the Firs: Commissioner will grant a slice to the north of the passage for opening Park-lane, the thing may pull through. By this means an excellent thoroughfare may bs obtained, and the park spared for some years yet to come for the recreation and health of the public. There are many more improvements, such as the continuance of the mall in St. James's-park in a direct line to the Strand through enuring-cross, .0 which we have so often referred. But sufficient 'or the day, perhaps, are the works for which the Metropo)itan Board bare given notice. If they carry them out successfully, we shall be disposed to forgive them much—even the delays in the Thames Etubinkim , ,nt But thie is subjulat which will probably boon dud a bekaraLe iuqu:iy uLct fuller notice than wo can give to it now.—Qb. server. Lord Wharncliffe and Mr. Seward, I cannot pretend to understand what Mr Seward means by the assertion that the war was promoted by British subjects. If they or other foreigners have protracted it, are nat these the Irishmen and Germans who have been induced by Northern agents to take part in it ? Is it not probable that without aid, so eagerly sought, the war would have been over before this time ? If either side has wandered from loyalty and patriotism, is it not rather the North, whose loyalty to its Constitution is now exchanged for obedience to a despotic Government; and whose patriotism is now exhibited in the destruction of yellow-countrymen because they assert that right to self government which has ever been declared in. herent in alt the people of America To Mr Se watd's epithets " unnatural and hope less," as applied to the action of the Sluth, it might be replied that when the people of the North were rebate against those to whom they owed existence there was really something unnatural in the fact; and it might be added that, at the end of a similar period, their prospects were hopeless indeed if con. trusted with the position of the Southern armies this day. Mr Seward, however, appears still to cling to the fallacy so often exploded already —that the affair will be over in 90 days. As to the attempt to represent the efforts of the Southern 'ladies on behalf of their suffering brothers as a grave insult to their own people, it cannot be a proper employment of your columns to reply to matters so unworthy. I have only further to assure your reaaers that the refusal of the Federal Government will not practically affect the distribu tion of the fund, for which, unhappily, we can find but too many recipients. I am, Sir, your obedient servant, WHARNCLIFFE. ‘ Nov. 12. "Your Excellency.—A ' W . : . :„ r z t a leY ,r has b een held in St. George's-hall, Liverpool, to provide a fund for the relief of Southern prisoners of war. It has pro duced a clear slm of about 1:17,C00. In preference to any attempt to reach the intended object by cit.- euitous means, a committee of English gentlemtn has been formed to address you on the subject: " As chairman of this Committee I venture to ask your Excellency to request the permission of your Government that an accredited agent may be sent out to visit the military prisons within the Northern States, and minister to the comfort of those for whom this fund is intended, under such supervision as your Government may direct. Permit me to state that no political end is aimed at by this movement. It has received sup port from many who are opposed to the political action of the South. Nor is it intended to impute that the Canfede rate prisoners are denied such attenti.n as the ordi nary rules enjoin. But those rules are narrow and stern. Winter is at hand, and the clothing which may satisfy the rules of war will not protect the natives of a warm climate from the severe cold of the North. Sir, the issue of this great conte3t wiii not be de termined by individual suffering, be it greater or less; and you, whose family name is interwoven with American history, cannot view with indiffe rence the suffering of American citizens, whatever their state or their opinions. Oa more than one occasion aid has been proffered by the people of one country to special classes under great bffliction in another. May it Lot be permitted to us to follow these example©, especially when those we desire to solace are beyond the reach of heir immediate kinsmen ? I trust these precedents and the voice of humanity may plead with your Excellency and induce you to prefer to the Govern ment of the United States the request I have the honour to suntnit.—l am, Sir, your most obedient servant, The Hon. WHARNCLIFFE. C. F. Adams. Legation of the United States, Nov. 18. My Lord,—l have the honour to acknowledge the reception of your letter of the 12th inst., asking me .to submit to the consideration of my Government a request of certain English gentlemen, made through your lordship, to send out an accred.ted- agent to visit the military prisoners held by the United States, and afford them such aid additional to that extended by the ordinary rules of war as may be provided by the fund which has been raised here for the purpose. I am very sure that it has never been she de sire of my Government to treat with unnecessary or vindictive severity any of the misguided in dividuals, parties in this deplorable rebellion, who have fallen into their hands in the regular course of war. I should greatly rejoice were the effects of your sympathy extended to the minister ing to the mental ailment not less than the bodily sufferiogs of these unfortunate persons, thus con tributing to put an end to a struggle which other wise is too likely to be only procrastinated by your lablurs. Be this as it may, I shall be happy to promote any humane endeavours to alleviate the horrors of this strife, and in that sense shall very cheerfully comply with your Lordship's desire, so far as to transmit by the earliest opportunity to my Govern. went a copy of the application which has been ad dressed to me. I bLg your Lordship to receive the assurance of my distinguished consideration. CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS. Legation of the United States, London, Dec. 20. 11.Iy Lord,--I have the honour to inform you that I have submitted to the consideration of my Govern ment a copy of your Lordship's note to me of the 13th November, and of my reply of the 18th of that month, and I have now to apprise you of the con elusion which has been reached. I am instructed to say that permission for an agent of the committee described by your Lordship to visit the insurgents detained in the military pri sons of the United States, and to distribute among them £17,000 of British gold, cannot be granted. I am sorry to be further constrained to signify to your Lordship that with this note my correspon dence on this subject must be brought to a close. nuu: L oz d t .. z i p , , üb,ultui; citirvaa, CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS. To the Lord Whuncliffe. TO TRE EDITOR OF THE SUN. you *oblige me by inserting the follow ing correspondence ? As I feel precluded from writing to Mr. Adams in reply to the contents of Mr. Seward's despatch, I take this opportunity of answering some of its statements. Mr. Seward asserts that the Confederate prisoners are not suffering unusual privations. This leads me to quote the following extracts from a letter published in the Northern papers, bearing date the 14th of October and written by a Unionist of New England, whose name in full is at the foot of it : Prom every prison in the north, from Rock Island to Fort Warren, goes out this wail of suffering humanity. • . . Those 1,500 pale faces are before me as I saw them pass me at the depot. Those ghastly, pleading faces I—l saw them here again, saw the pile of dead—dead from want of nourishing food. . . . Hot tears of shame for my coun • trymen who permit these outrages upon humanity, tears of pity for these poor sufferers blind my eyes." Testimony of this kind has arrived continuously in this country. It believed to be true, it naturally creates a desire to alleviate such misery. If untrue, the 'best means to disprove it would be the visit of a third party, who accompanied by witnesses, would report the real facts. This test Mr Seward declines. Mr Seward would make it appoa' that the sum obtained at the bazaar was mainly contributed by those who had been engaged in trade with the South. So far from this being the case, contributions were received from all parts of the United King dom, from the Continent, Canada, even from the Northern States. The movement originated with and was all but entirely carried out by the Southern ladies now in England. It cannot be supposed that these ladies are engaged in foreign trade, or that out of more than 10,000 persons who attended and con tributed to the result there could be any appreciable proportion who had any concern in the trade of the South. ti rs nbr HER MAJESTY. 410.- OSBORNN, Dec. 24. His Royal Highness Prince Arthur, attended by Major Elphinbtoue, arrived at Osborne from Green• wicti Perk this afternoon. DEC, 25. Her Majesty the Quen distlibuted Christmas gifts yesterday afternoon to the wives of the labour• era and others on the Osborne estate, and also to the children of the Whippingham School, who assem bled a little before four o'clock. Soon after four the Queen, accompanied by Prin . ' ce3s Helena, Princese Louise, Prince Beatrice, Prince Arthur, and Prince Leopold, entered the Sirvants' Hall, where the gifts were laid out. 11 '. r Majesty then, as s i ste d b y t h e R oyal fam i ly, diem.. buted the articles of clothing to the women, and toys of various descriptions to the children, for whom also a Christmas tree was prepared. Her Majesty was attended by the Ladies and Gentlemen in Waiting. Despatches were received on Saturday at the g Colonial Office from the Governors of thg Cape 0 Good Hope, Natal, and St Helena. Despatches were sent to the Governors of North America and Bermuda. Their Royal Higbnessesthe Duke and Duchess d'Aumale will not arrive at Strawberry Hill, en a visit to Frances Countess Waldegrave sand the Right Hon. C. Fortescue, M,P., till the 3d of the ensuing month. The Duchess (Dowager) of Sutherland, accoel" panied by her sons, Lord Albert and Ronald Lev° . son (lower, is passing the Christmas with the Duke and Duchess of Sutherland, et Trentham, Staffordt shire. The Marquis and Marchioness of Abereirn are entertaining a large family circle at Beaudesert near Lichfield. The Marquis of Ilartington, M.P., left Devon shire House on Saturday for Trentham, on a visit to the Duke and Duchess of Sutherland. The Earl and Countess Spencer are surrounded by a select party, principally confined to the Win s hers of the family, at Althorp. The Earl of Coventry left town on Saturday 10 join the family circle assembled at the Earl and Countess Craven's seat, Ashdown Park, Berks. The Eirl and Countess of Durham have arrivel in town from Lawbton Castle, their seat in Durham. Tho air! and Countess of Winehilsea, Lady Constance Finch. Hatton, and Viscount Maidstone have left the St. George's Hotel. The Countesi Cowper and ladies Cowper passe d through town on Saturday, from visiting Viscount and Viscountess Palmerston at Broadlands, on their way t° Wrest Park, Beds. Arrival of Lord Lyons. LIVERPOOL, DEC, 25. Tne royal mail stenm-ship Uhina, from Nsw Yolk on the 14th inst., arrived here at 10 a.m. today. Lord Lyons, who was a passenger on board, lauded here in a special tender. Professor Gold Win Smith is also one of the Pas" sengers by the China. A Catholic Cry, TO THE EDITOR OF THE TIMES. Sir,—The poor of my mission are in extrant distress, suffering from hunger and cold at this sea' son, which ought not to be. My funds are exhausted. Will any of your kind readers remetn" ber my poor?--Your obedient servant, F. OAKELEY. 39, Dancan-terrace, N., Christmas Eve. The Biography of Whist. Whist is unquestionably of English origin, though as to the time and place of its birth we do not pos.. Bess any precise evidence. Whist is not mentioned by Shakspere, nor by any writer of the Elizabethan era, from whicn we may infer that the game was then scarcely in existeece. All that we knout about the extreme childhood of whist is, that it was spent in the servants' hall. Its associates there, we are informed on the authority of Daiues Barrington, were " put "and " allsfours." The gave seems soon to have manifested seductive powerst for as early as 1630 Taylor the Water Poet, mentions whist as inducing the prodigal to "fling his money free with carelessuesse.'' We cannot deny that at this period the character and friends of whist were decidedly low. Whist even appears in a lock-up in the questionable company of Mr Jonathan Wild, The great Fielding records that when the ingenious Count la Ruse was domiciled with Mr Geoffrel Snap (who enjoyed office under the sheriffs of Len' don and Middlesex), his countehip sought to be' guile the tedium of his indoor existence by re' course to the amusements of the day. Mr Snap a two daughters benevolently aided him, and cha se Wild to make up their parties. Whist and swabbers (which is only whist under an alais) was then (186 2 ) greatly in vogue, and the ladies were conseqeuntlf obliged to look out for a fourth person. In the " Memoirs of the Lives, Intrigues, and Comical Ad' ventures of the most Famous Gamesters" from the time of Charles 11, to that of Queen Anne, we come across a sharper named Johnson, whose last advert' tare was that he was hanged in 1690. Of him it it : written that he excelled in the art of " sectiring 4 honours for himself and partner when playing at whist, We next hear of whist frequenting publif , houses in the City. " The Compleat Gamester, originally published in 1674, does not mention whist at all; but in later editions we are told tha t whist was a tavern game, and that sharpers gen e :, rally took care to put about the bottle befo re business began. For all this, whist never accort4 modated itself easily to the designs of card legs. ' l t never took to them kiadly, but, like Oliver Twi g ' it was the victim of circumstances and of its a oic"._ inexperience. Whist was more sinned a g ainst Os: sinning. Accordingly it contriv e d, a ft er a timet i L escape from its tavern acquaintances ; and earl)? in the eighteenth century, though not as Y e; fashionable, it had, at least, b e c o m e respectah le, Its principle friends at this epoch were country squires and country parsons. I n the " It°x to Strategem," by Farquhar (1707), Squire Sullen said to fond of whist, and Mr s . Sull e n, who was a fine lady from London, refers to her husband's P rn, o dilection in terms which imply that whist was 1 %, classed with rural rather than west-end accomPl meats, Pope also, about this time (1715)1 aliases" 04 to whist in coejunetion with the squirearcny ; l l Swift, in his "Essay on the Fates of Clergym en ,ed (1728), says that the clergy occasionally inde i g_ ot so the society of whist. This patronage does v ll _ , seem to have been equal to the task of retrie_:7 whist from the character of vulgarity. Bstter J' tie ; however, were in store for it. About this time 4 , 1 130 ComplratGamester"became amalgamated with 4 _ to Court Gamester," and whist was admitted ihte_ to . first, and courtly division of the work, in corpr o l o with " otubre, quadrille, quintille, picquet, and royal game of chess." About 1730, a party or g o 7 e, tlemen, of whom the first Lord Folkestone was o° frequented the Crown coffee-house in Bedfor _ w e, and there introduced whist, studied the g r l 7 O . and, it is believed, discovered some of its .u3 P o c ad &pies. Ia 1743, whist was adopted by cl er, o f Hoyle, who is to this day called the farrie r the the game. Under his auspices, whilst niu . cl e i , eg , acquaintance of all the rank and fashion or I , a h n e d, A a o n g d iom tr a a n v i e a lle w d hi the latter part of the eighteenth century te: at a c c h ros p s rev th a e iled Ch i a o nne ra d n u e r , ' ll t e ; Baron de V-- says, "It was even represented svas a by Versailles, hut I cannot affirm whether remain der the English ambassador in person." 1 " It was Wel : 0 0 0 f oi th e e d ca to reer al o l f t w a h o ist ch is oo w o e ia ll to k . the lion of 0 1 ° fashionable assemblies. It becamewritten about. °nee day. It was talked about sad a universa Fini t eurite) really known, it was esteemed; ; __A it 0f e edmirsd and sesp,,cied by a rem u ie 7 L,a — rouvl 'Vith the - t P has retained its saes illa°ouw:e;3, clubs, aes• land, some 30 years back, ,42fon/ ~ Zon n dandy until now•— ME SUN LONDOrs4 MONDAY EVENING, DECEMMII, 26, 1864. -mail ,